Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to purchase tickets in advance? Can I pay cash?
Tickets must be purchased in advance, and tours often sell out quickly. To maximize your chances of getting the day you prefer, please book well in advance. Tickets can be purchased Online using a Visa, Mastercard, or American Express. If you can only pay with cash, please call (800) 343-6437 and ask for Doug to make a reservation with your credit card.

Do I have to buy a ticket for a young child?
For children ages 3 to 15, you should purchase a reduced price Child ticket. Children ages 2 years and under may attend for free, but you’ll still need to enter the appropriate number of Infant tickets labeled “Free” when purchasing. All guests, regardless of age, must have a ticket, so please make sure your entire party is accounted for in this way. We also will have space to store your collapsible stroller so you may use it during our stops.

Is this the “scenic” bus tour of Monterey?
Yes, this is the one-and-only scenic bus tour of Monterey you have heard so much about! We are proud to have won a Hospitality & Tourism Business Excellence Award for this tour from the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce. Since Monterey’s scenic beauty has drawn many filmmakers over the years, we have further expanded the tour to include a fabulous multimedia presentation highlighting Monterey’s movie fame. (It’s like getting two tours in one!) So come see beautiful, scenic Monterey through the eyes of Hollywood!

Are any refreshments or food included on the tour?
No food is provided or is allowed onboard the movie tour bus. We suggest you eat lunch ahead of time at one of Monterey’s many excellent restaurants and cafes. You will also have the chance to purchase food and beverages when we stop at the Lodge at Pebble Beach.

Will I be able to purchase food/souvenirs during the tour?
Yes. Food, beverages, and souvenirs are available for purchase at the Lodge at Pebble Beach. Make sure to bring some extra cash or a credit card in case anything catches your fancy!

Is there a restroom on the bus?
There is no restroom on the bus, but there are restrooms at our first and third stops (Bird Rock and the Lodge at Pebble Beach).

What happens if it rains?
Our tours run rain or shine, and are always enjoyable no matter what kind of weather is going on! Rain does not impact visibility, so you will still be able to see Monterey’s gorgeous vistas, along with enjoying our multimedia presentation on the bus. Please be sure to dress appropriately for the weather, though, as we do make several stops where we get off the bus. (You will not have to get off the bus if you don’t wish to, but we think you’ll be glad if you do!)

Are cameras or videocameras allowed on the tour?
Yes, definitely! Filmmakers have never been able to resist capturing Monterey’s beauty, and you won’t be able to either! However, please note that recording of the onboard movie presentation is strictly prohibited!

Where does the tour end?
The tour ends back at our starting point in downtown Monterey near Fisherman’s Wharf. (The exact tour meeting location and directions to it will be provided immediately upon purchase of tickets.)

What kind of bus is used?
Monterey Movie Tours take place on our luxury motorcoaches, complete with air-conditioning, high-back seating, huge windows, and state-of-the-art multimedia equipment.

Is there assigned seating on the bus?
No. The bus is seated on a first-come-first-serve basis, so please arrive early if you have a large group.

Is the bus handicapped-accessible?
The bus is not designed for handicapped access, though we do have space to store walkers and collapsible wheelchairs.

Where should I park my car?
There is a large parking facility at the corner of Del Monte Ave and Washington St, which is within 5 minutes walking to where the tour begins and ends. The rate is reasonable for the area at $7.00 per day.

May I bring luggage on the bus? Is there any limit to the amount of personal items I can bring on board?
While we are not equipped to store luggage, there are overhead racks large enough to accommodate your shopping bags if you choose to purchase anything during our stops. There is enough space in your seating area for purses and small day bags or backpacks.

Are we on the bus for the entire time?
No, we make three stops during the scenic movie tour: Bird Rock, the Lone Cypress Tree, and the Lodge at Pebble Beach. At all three, you will be able to take in the scenery, stretch your legs, and snap photographs with movie-perfect backgrounds!

Are tours available in languages other than English?
Currently the tour is offered in English only, but since so much of it is visual, it can be enjoyed thoroughly by those with limited English skills.

Can I purchase a gift certificate?
Yes. Please email us or call us toll free at (800) 343-6437, and we will be happy to assist you in planning a gift of our tour.

Can I book a private tour?
Yes. We will happily create a customized tour itinerary for your private group. Our staff specializes in planning half and full day custom-designed corporate or group tours. If you are interested in arranging a private tour, please email us or call us toll free at (800) 343-6437. (Also, please note that many groups choose to join one of our public tours, as the group atmosphere on the bus can sometimes be half the fun!)

Monterey Bay Scenic Tours, LLC, (parent company of Monterey Movie Tours®) holds a Public Performance Movie License that allows us to show productions onboard our luxury coach. Movie Tours is the trademark of Movie Tours, Inc., a Hawaii Corp. Used by permission. Pebble Beach®, 17-Mile Drive® and the Lone CypressTM and their underlying distintive images are trademarks, service marks and trade dress of Pebble Beach Company. Used by Permission.